Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a rash and scaly patches that often appear on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp and are itchy.
Symptoms:
Common signs and symptoms of psoriasis include:
A blotchy rash that varies greatly in appearance from person to person, ranging from dandruff-like spots to severe rashes over a wide area of the body
The rash is variegated in color with purplish hues with gray scales on brown or black skin, or pink-red with silvery scales on white skin
Small, scaly patches (common among children)
Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
Itching, burning or soreness
Lifestyle and home remedies
Try the following self-care measures to get better control of your psoriasis:
Shower daily. When showering or bathing, gently wash your skin rather than rubbing it. Use lukewarm water and a mild soap that contains extra oils or fats and immerse your body in it for at least 15 minutes.
Maintain skin moisture. Apply a fragrance-free skin moisturizer daily. And if you’re using moisturizer after showering, gently pat skin dry, then apply your favorite lotion while skin is still damp. For very dry skin, oils or ointment-containing moisturizers may be preferable, as they stay on the skin longer than creams or lotions.
Cover affected areas overnight. Before going to bed, apply a moisturizing ointment to the affected area of skin and wrap it in plastic wrap. When you wake up, peel off the plastic wrap and remove the scales
Avoid scratching the skin. It may help to apply one of the anti-itch creams or ointments available and if you have scalp psoriasis, try a medicated shampoo that contains coal tar. And keep your nails short so that they don’t hurt your skin when you scratch them. Wear soft fabrics that do not aggravate itching.
Avoid psoriasis triggers. Be aware of triggers for psoriasis, and take measures to prevent or avoid them. Psoriasis can be exacerbated by infections, skin injuries, smoking and prolonged sun exposure.
Keeping the body cool. Extreme body heat may cause itching. Wear light cotton clothing if you go outdoors on hot days. And if you have air conditioning, use it on hot days to keep yourself cool. Keep cooling packs in the freezer and place them on the itchy areas for a few minutes to soothe them. You can also try storing the moisturizing lipid in the cooler (fridge) to keep it cool when you use it.
Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Try other healthy lifestyle habits to control your psoriasis. These habits include physical activity, eating healthy food, limiting or avoiding alcohol, and maintaining a healthy body weight
Coping and support
Dealing with psoriasis can be a challenge, especially if the affected skin covers a large area of your body or is visible to others. It can cause you discomfort and embarrassment. The ongoing and permanent nature of the disease and the challenges of treatment do not contribute.
